Director of Data & Analytics

Director of Data & Analytics

Background

Circular Action Alliance (CAA), a 501(c)3, is poised to be a leader in changing how packaging is designed, responsibly managed and given a second life in a circular economy. CAA became the first U.S. Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) for paper and packaging in 2022, and in less than a year was selected by California, Colorado, and Oregon to represent producers and meet the requirements of their laws. The organization is poised to deliver best-in-class compliance services, scale innovation, and build systems that help both companies and consumers waste less and recycle more in these states, and in other states that have passed or will pass EPR laws in the future.

Working with CAA presents an opportunity to be on the front edge of recycling system innovations that will have a meaningful and lasting impact. As a member of the CAA team, you will support the organization’s mission-driven work with our 20 Founding Members who are leaders in the food, beverage, consumer goods, and retail industries; companies (“producers”) whose packaging will be managed under these new laws; and a diverse array of stakeholders whose collaboration will be critical to delivering on the requirements of U.S. EPR laws and creating a circular economy for paper and packaging. We are looking for passionate, big thinkers to help us realize the full potential of the nation’s first EPR laws.

Purpose of this Position

This strategic position will lead the process for determining annual producer fees for CAA at a national level that will meet state requirements where EPR is implemented. The VP, Data and Analytics, will work with the program planning and operations team to collect and analyze data to support the development of EPR program plans, cost-modelling, fee-setting and source reduction strategies.  . This work will involve continuing to develop the methodology by which fees are set and ensuring the availability of useable data inputs, including the quantities of materials supplied by producers annually, material costs, commodity prices, economic data and environmental performance. It will require ensuring regulatory requirements are met and harmonized between states where possible. The ideal candidate must possess a combination of strong data systems, analytical, operational and communication skills to help the organization set and maintain fee structures. The VP, Data and Analytics, will oversee a team of data analysts and service providers.  

This role will report to the COO and be a critical member of the Operations Leadership Team.

Key Responsibilities for the Role:

Fee-Setting Methodology

• Establish, implement and maintain several methodologies to support fee setting, including:       
• Establishing program system cost and budgets in line with program obligations and corporate policies.
• Estimating the relative costs to manage individual materials within recycling systems in line with regulations and fee principles.
• Determination of commodity pricing to reflect state-specific commodity revenues
• Treatment of strategic investment funds associated with system improvements and/or specific materials and end-markets.
• Implementation of eco-modulation criteria within fee structures according to state mandate and/or corporate policy.

Data and Data Systems

• Identify and acquire necessary data inputs for fee-setting activities, source reduction strategies and eco-modulation.
• Consolidate and combine data from various sources to develop and deliver comprehensive fee schedules
• Ensure data quality and useability and identify high-impact data gaps
• Ensure data management and modelling practices comply with corporate policies and standards; and accompanied with sufficient documentation for review and decisioning.
• Work closely with Operations and IT to ensure systems are compatible and supported across responsibility areas and appropriate internal controls for managing data and fee information are developed and implemented
• Support data governance efforts to protect proprietary program data and manage user permissions
• Familiarity with advanced analytics, AI, and Machine Learning applications in analytics

Eco-Modulation

• Identify data requirements for eco-modulation and work with the operations and IT teams to develop producer reporting systems and processes to support the necessary data collection for eco-modulation bonuses and malus fees.
• Develop eco-modulation methodologies in response to state EPR laws and identify opportunities for harmonization.

Source Reduction

• Work with the California and other state program operations teams to identify source reduction data requirements and develop producer reporting systems and processes to support the necessary data collection for source reduction planning.

Communications:

• Work with producers, regulators, material recovery facility (MRF) operators, haulers, and endmarkets in a highly collaborative manner to ensure that fees meet regulatory requirements and reflect industry practices.
• Develop fee-setting materials and consultations in a manner that clearly communicates to producers, regulators and other key stakeholders the principles, methodologies and approach that CAA is using to set fees.
• Work closely with CAA Finance department to ensure fees are in alignment with company budgets and policies.
• Conduct presentations to different external and internal company groups making complex issues understandable to various audiences.
• Engage and manage external expertise under contract as necessary to conduct field studies and assist in methodology development, using appropriate CAA protocols

Experience and Professional Qualifications:

• Degree in Business, Engineering, Scientific or related field preferred.
• Mathematical and modeling expertise required.
• Experience with creating, analyzing, and reporting in databases.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex data and identify actionable insights.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with stakeholders inside and outside the organization.
• Detail-oriented with a commitment to accuracy, preciseness and compliance.
• Ability to build, develop, lead and engage strong teams, with direct or indirect reporting lines including remote employees across varied geographies and time zones. 
• Excellent time management and organization skills.
• Ability to work in a dynamic environment working at a rapid pace with flexibility. 
• Familiarity with EPR preferred.
• Some knowledge of recycling systems beneficial
• CPG or retail background preferred with broad functional experience (Finance, Marketing, Operations, etc.) being an asset.

Compensation and Other Information:

• Location: Initially Fully Remote (future location TBD, relocation may be required).
• The base salary is $175,000 – $220,000 based on a variety of factors in accordance with applicable law, including the successful candidate’s relevant experience, skills, knowledge, and work location. In addition to base salary, this role is eligible for medical, dental, and vision benefits, life insurance, retirement, and paid time off.
• Circular Action Alliance is an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants for employment will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, lactation, and related medical conditions), national origin, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age or any other category protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. If you require accommodation as part of the application process, please contact [email protected].
•  For questions, please email [email protected].